State & Regional News

Forecasters have turned their attention to the end of next week, saying most model guidance indicates a storm system developing and affecting the East Coast — including the mid-Atlantic —around Thanksgiving Day and into Black Friday.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey conceded to Republican challenger David McCormick on Thursday night. The Pennsylvania Department of State ended the automatic recount in the unusually close race since the result was no longer contested.

The drought is far from over, but enough precipitation has fallen to boost the confidence of state officials when it comes to outdoor fires.

Join Megan Frank every Friday at 9:30am and 6:30pm for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week, Brittany Sweeney takes her place, joined by politics reporter Tom Shortell and Easton reporter Brian Myszkowski.

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is conceding his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick. The concession came Thursday, more than two weeks after Election Day. A statewide recount is showing no signs of closing the gap and Casey's campaign has suffered repeated blows in court.

FirstEnergy sought to raise local customers' electric bills by more than 9%, but the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission blocked the higher rate.

The bipartisan House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee spent three days in the Lehigh Valley this week. Part of the visit included a hearing with local organizers to discuss funding celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

After a steady – but not soaking – overnight rain, the area remains on track to break a pair of records that have stood the test of time. But more precipitation is on the way, including snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon for Carbon and Monroe counties in an "elevation-dependent system."

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild said the House Ethics Committee is split in deliberations over how to handle an investigations into former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz on allegations of sexual misconduct. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Gaetz to lead the Justice Department.

The scandal involving 15-year-old figure skater Kamila Valieva is drawing new calls to establish age restrictions on Olympic figure skaters.

The plan would require recipients to stay in Pennsylvania for a number of years.

When people are looking for help from Social Security, it's often because they are experiencing a major life event.

Gov. Wolf's spending plan creates a $200M scholarship program for people entering health care fields.

The governor's office estimates there are 30 to 50 pregnancies per year in the state prison system.

The state is also distributing grants to encourage electrifying fleets for local governments and police forces.

Wolf is reaching for the big bucks in his final year in office, despite the immediate protest from Republican lawmakers in the majority.

The little guy with the cleft lip was rescued from Harley's Haven Dog Rescue.

Carbon and Schuylkill are among the 43 counties that will benefit from the federal funding.

Advocates for immigrant rights argue detention is inhumane and unnecessary.

Local legislators react with praise and caution.

LEPOCO Peace Center organizes Lehigh Valley vigils in support of de-escalation.